49. Cognitive Dissonance

It was finally getting dark and our trek along the winding roads of Mecca should be easier as the human hunters now have to work against three challenges; the Elite being reflective, the very narrow roads and the darkness. Moving silently in a single line, we stayed close to the stone houses that lined the road on one side. The chain of command process was working well and MY five Captains seemed to completely understand the top-down order process. That’s what I thought until Stan asked ME a question.

“Hey boss, I think we should find a couple of vehicles big enough for the group and drive. We would get there faster.” I was startled by the “boss” reference from Stan as I thought the transformation would have taken away most of his old human traits. Stan’s comment was echoed by Bill and Nora. “I did not anticipate this.” The Lite was surprised and maybe a little concerned. “Retaining some of their human traits may be an advantage. However, fear and feelings of guilt will only diminish their abilities as Elites.”

“Stan, Bil, Nora,” I responded, “We still need to find the guides and that will require us to split up into separate packs and use cover as much as possible. So driving is out of the question. However, just before sunrise I want you three to take your Elite packs and start to search for the guides. I’ll provide you with a Nano imprint with their descriptions and potential hiding places. Once you find one or all of them let ME know.”

Stan’s pack was the last Elite group in the line and Jolie was supposed to be at the end of that pack. I looked back and noticed she was stopping at all the windows along the stone buildings and trying to pry herself up to look in. Some of the other Elite were kidding her about her lack of height…among other things.  She was taking the comments in stride but because of her Lite Link as I called it, whatever she thought I heard and MY thoughts were hers as well.

“I really don’t care what the other Elite think.” Jolie was directing her thoughts to ME. “I know I’m going to be the first one to find the guides because I am special. I have the Lite and they don’t and anyway… I dance better than they do.”  If the Elite were jealous of Jolie’s Lite, they didn’t let on. As far as the dancing issue….from what I knew about the human process of dancing, hers was very different.

It was getting lighter. I instructed the three Elite packs, gave them the Nano imprint and sent each pack out in a different direction. Cautioning them again about using the Lite Ring as a group and reminding them of what they needed to tell the spiritual guides…if they found them.